Top 5 Tuesday

Today we take a look at the top 5 players to keep your eye on for the 2009 NHL entry draft, should you head out to Camrose and take in the World Junior "A" Challenge.

5. David Pacan-Right Winger-Cumberland-CJHL-Canada East
The top prospect on an Team Canada East squad that has 19 draft eligible players and 2 who were snagged last year. At 6.03, 190 pounds David Pacan has vertical size that the scouts like, but will need to bulk up to make an impact down the road. Hoever Pacan doesn't shy away from rough play as evidenced by his 22 penalty minutes in 17 games, and he also seems to have a nose for the net with 19 points along the way, 9 of them on the power play. The word is Michigan State, Boston College and Clarkson are interested in the forward.

4. John Moore-Defence-Chicago-USHL-United StatesA former Sports Management World Wide, ISS, Hockey Now and TPS 2009 top prospect performer of the week, John Moore is hoping to parlay a solid start to the USHL season into a good showing with team U.S.A in Camrose. The biggest asset for the 6.03, 195 pound D-man is his feet, and how fast he is on them. A great skater, who makes smart passes, Moore is on pace for a 49 point season with Chicago, which would blow away his 15 point rookie campaign. Moore has verbally committed to Colorado College for next year, and scouts say is trying to play more physical this year, as he prepares for the college life.

3. Dmitry Orlov-Defence-Metallurg-RusDi-Russia
Right Winger Anton Burdasov would be the top draft eligible Russian to watch in Camrose, and was originally named to the squad, but an injury kept him out. So instead keep your eyes on defenceman Dmitry Orlov, as opposing forwards daring to cut across the middle will have to. Orlov was the Russian captain at the Ivan Hlinka tournament last spring, he's reportedly a good puck mover that plays a simple game, and despite being only 5.10 and 176 pounds, like to get physical. Right now Orlov is the 14th ranked European according to ISS, but a good showing in Camrose could move him up the ladder.

2. Dylan Olsen-Defence-Camrose Kodiaks-AJHL-Team Canada West
For the second straight year, a Camrose Kodiak could be taken in the first round, as Dylan Olsen is hoping to follow in the skate strides of former teammate, and current Denver Pioneer Joe Colborne. Colborne was drafted 16th overall by the Boston Bruins last June, and right now ISS has Olsen ranked 29th overall. The 6.02, 195 pound blueliner is the top rearguard for the Kodiaks, runs the PP and uses physical play to ensure his own end is taken care of. Olsen makes a great first pass, but the one aspect that could use improvement is his skating. He's not a bad skater, but could use more quickness.

1. Seth Helgeson-Defence-Sioux City-USHL-United States
At 6.04, 220 pounds it's not hard to imagine what kind of D-man Seth Helgeson is. The 2nd year Sioux City Musketeer is a powerful force in a shut down role, that isn't afraid to drop the gloves and persuade his opponents not to come near his net. But that's not all the Faribualt, Minnesota product can do. He has 5 points in 8 games this year, including a pair of power play goals. Helgeson has verbally committed to the Minnesota Golden Gophers for next year, and is currently ranked 25th overall by ISS for this June.